Delhi bans non-BS-VI vehicles from entering; ₹20,000 fines for violators
What's the story
Delhi is currently facing a severe air pollution crisis with the air quality index (AQI) plunging to hazardous levels. The Chilla border recorded an AQI of around 490. In response, Delhi Police and transport enforcement teams have ramped up checks on vehicles entering the city under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Enforcement measures
Strict checks on non-BS6 vehicles, PUCC compliance
Deepak, a Delhi transport department officer, said they are "strictly checking non-BS6 commercial and private vehicles registered outside Delhi." He added violators could face a ₹20,000 challan or be forced to make a U-turn. The checks also include fining drivers without updated Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC).
Vehicle scrutiny
Old vehicles targeted in pollution crackdown
An Uttar Pradesh Traffic Police officer said they are stopping cars that look old and lack blue stickers indicating BS6 compliance. They have also been directed to fine 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles of BS-III emission standards or lower. The monitoring process involves portable machines that verify vehicle registration numbers against BS norms and PUCC validity instantly.
Pollution contribution
Transport sector's role in winter PM2.5 emissions
The transport sector contributes over 20% of PM2.5 emissions in winter. Notably, 93% of Delhi-NCR's 2.88 crore vehicles are light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, with around 37% being BS-III or older models that emit significantly more pollutants. Deepak emphasized the need for public awareness and political will to tackle vehicular pollution effectively, stating that forces are deployed across checkpoints to ensure compliance with these measures.
Expert opinion
Experts call for comprehensive measures to tackle pollution
Experts have called for more comprehensive measures to tackle pollution, with vehicles accounting for around 40% of Delhi's PM2.5 emissions. They argue that scrappage policies and stronger public transport systems should accompany bans on older vehicles to effectively curb transboundary pollution. Former Transport Commissioner Anil Chhikara stressed the need for practical tailpipe emission enforcement and a dedicated pollution task force, criticizing what he termed as "knee-jerk" measures by the Delhi government.